Buxus soil question

Greg_Simmons

Hello All,

I have a question about soil for a collected boxwood. I have seen mike_p's boxwoods and Mike, I hope you'll have some input here. I live in NC, and have been collecting trees for some years now. I have a beauty of a large collected box that bounced right back in the summer after collection (2001), but since has started to decline. Growth has become weak and I'm seeing the yellow leaf borders even on new growth. I continue to put off styling the tree because it just hasn't returned to robust growth yet, despite the healthy growth of the 1st season, and the excellent root system collected with it.

The tree was placed in a grow box upon collection, in my standard free draining mix I use for collected trees.

I'm wondering if I have an acidity problem? I tried to adjust the ph all last growing season, using doses of lime between waterings. Anyone have an idea on what I might consider? It's in quite a free-draining mix, I know how to water, and I don't think I have acid build-up. Mike (and the rest)...any thoughts? This is a real prize of a trunk, and I'd hate to lose it. It's not dying, but it's weak, and it doesn't look like should 4 years after collection.

Thanks all.

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Greg_Simmons

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Jerry Meislik

Greg,
when you last repotted was all the native soil removed?
Jerry

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Jerry Meislik
Whitefish Montana USA
Zone 4-5
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/

Greg_Simmons

Hello Jerry--

Not when I collected it (I've lost a couple boxwoods by barerooting them upon collection). I removed the last of the old soil in the following spring (2002), which, as best I can tell, was the beginning of it's decline. I asked for opinions here because this one has me stumped...the root system, even now, looks healthy and viable, but it just ain't making much new growth up top, and what it does push has become weak.

Thank you for your interest, Jerry. I'm just looking for ideas here.

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Greg_Simmons

Greg_Simmons

Sorry, Jerry--I misread your question. As of the last repot (back into the growing box) all the old soil was removed. As I said, I did this gradually. The tree was originally growing in the loamy soil we have here in the mountains of western NC, but after 2 repots, none of it remains.

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Greg_Simmons

heymikey(deceased)

heyGreg; Many foliage growth problems are attributable to unfavorable root conditions. If you are concerned about soil pH you should definitely find out what it is via soil sample analysis or use of a soil pH meter. I'm sure you're aware that adding limestone when not called for might raise the pH too much and diminish the uptake of vital nutrients. If you value the specimen don't guess at the soil chemistry. Most municipal water systems tend to distribute slightly alkaline water (to protect their pipes) and acid build-up may not be a problem. Also please let us know your climate zone, soil constituents and fertilizing regimen. Regards, heyMikey!!

Greg_Simmons

6a.

screened turface, screened decomposed granite, screened decomposed pine bark (30%, 60%, 10

Fed inorganic the season after collecting. Since repotted, fed with organic cakes ('MeanGreen' I get from the Growing Grounds down in Cherryville, NC).

I am inclined to repot again in early spring--is there a better mix anyone would suggest?

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Greg_Simmons

mike_p

Hi Greg
Concerning your growing conditions, about all I know is that they are very different from mine.
I'm always surprised when people have problems growing boxwood bonsai. I've seen them grown successfully in a vast range of soils.
In my case, the base for all my bonsai soil mixes is crushed lava, 1/8" to 1/4". To that I add other components as seem necessary for the particular plant.
In the case of boxwoods, the mix would be about 60-70% lava, and the rest commercial planting mix, fir bark, etc. I keep them in mostly shady conditions.
Concerning ph factor, the experts say a range from around 6.5 to 7.5 works.
My water supply has a ph of 8 or more.
I can't imagine you would need to dose with lime unless your water is very acid. Get a ph tester and check it, or call the water company. They should be able to tell you.
Can you post pictures of the foliage on the boxwoods you are having trouble with?

Good luck

Mike

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rockm

There might be some sort of infection involved, but sometimes it can take several years for older collected boxwood to die of transplant shock. I've had a very old plant give up on me two years after collection--THe plant even pushed new growth each spring, only to yellow and brown off the third. Upon inspection of the root zone, there were no new roots present. The plant lived on reserve and had simply run out.

You also might want to investigate "Boxwood Decline" as an issue here. The condition is running through old Colonial-era box in Va. It's killed several old hedges at Mr. Vernon, for instance. It's cause is a little unclear, but it could involve a fungus or some other pathogen.

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcul...hru/boxwood.htm

Greg_Simmons

Thank you everyone. I have some pics of it in various states of decline...sort of a depressing litany. I will try to post some over in the gallery. This is pretty old wood (the hedge was installed in 1961, according to a neighbor), so I am intrigued by the idea of 'boxwood decline'. You guys know the story-- I have about 35 other trees (including other collected boxwoods), I use the same water/feeding regimen on them, and have had no problems. From what I have observed, my water is relatively neutral, but I'll have to get some kits and check water/soil to confirm. On the other hand, this tree may just not have the horses. One thing is relatively certain: this year will tell. It's a great trunk, with deadwood shaped by over years of weather.

I appreciate your input; I'll look into the ph issue.

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Greg_Simmons